NEW YORK -- The following statement was issued
today by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director,
Donald M. Fehr, regarding the suspension of Rafael Palmeiro for violating
Major League Baseball's Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

"Throughout his long career, Rafael Palmeiro has been a credit to baseball
on the field and off, as he has been recognized for his many and varied
community and charitable activities. Consequently, all of us who are part
of baseball were saddened by today's announcement that he has been
suspended by the Commissioner. No one who knows Rafael will question the
serious impact this suspension has had and will continue to have on him.

However, todays announcement should serve to dispel doubts about our
determination to rid baseball of illegal steroids, or the strength or
effectiveness of our testing program. All players are treated equally,
even potential members of the Hall of Fame, without respect to their tenure
or status in the game. The steroid testing program in baseball is working
and will prove to be effective if given the chance.